Vanity case



Dec. 13, 1938.` T. sUNDIN ET AL. v 2,140,035'

VANITY- CASE Filed March 24, 1957 l 3 Sheets-Sheet l Z5 31 1315? ffl l /7 ff( 5g y o f1 .gf Z

Dec. 13, 1938. T sUNDlN ET AL VANITY CASE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 211,4 1937 926' 45 zza INVEN 'ORS 72605/0211 J 17H/.27% l BY' fammi MOP/Zwam MM-7,@ i?

fe/ATTORNE S Patented Dec. 13, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VANITY CASE York Application March 24,

10 Claims.

This invention relates to vanity cases such as are used by ladies in rouging and powdering their faces.

In the cosmetic trade, the expression rouge is used to designate a highly colored cosmetic, which may be in powder form but usually is in the form of either paste or a dry cake. The ordinary make-up procedure involves, first, the application of rouge, and second, the application of a slightly colored cosmetic. In the cosmetic trade, this slightly colored cosmetic is usually referred to merely as powderj though it may be prepared either in cake or powder form. In specifically identifying powder prepared in a pulverized condition, the cosmetic trade refers to it as loose powder. The present invention is applicable to a vanity case adapted to carry both rouge and powder, but the invention is concerned primarily with a structure for carrying and dispensing the inafter referred to will be powder in the dictionary sense, and ordinarily it will also be powder in the cosmetic-trade sense.

A general object of the invention is to provide an improved vanity case structure for carrying loose powder and rendering it conveniently available to the user in appropriate quantities.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vanity case which automatically applies powder to a powder puff in appropriate quantities.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved vanity case structure suitable for quantity production and in which loose powder and a puff therefor may be conveniently carried and kept readily available for use.

Still other objects of the invention are to provide a vanity case for loose powder, which is sufciently powder tight; to provide a vanity case which can be readily refilled with loose powder when the supply is exhausted; and to provide a vanity casewhich automatically keeps a powder puff appropriately supplied with powder as a result of the mere operations of opening and closing the case and removing and inserting the puff therein.

Various additional specific objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from the disclosure herein.

Three specific forms of the invention are disclosed, but all are of the same type. In each, the vanity case comprises two exterior generally cupshaped shells, which are so pivoted together as to close in rim-to-rim contact in a conventional manner. In two of the forms disclosed there is tted into one of the shells a member adapted to powder in loose form. Thus the powder here- 1937, Serial N0. 132,775

receive both a rouge cake and a puff for applying the rouge; and hinged to this inserted member is a mirror arranged to fold within the exterior case. In each of the forms disclosed, the other of the exterior shells is provided with va pivoted magazine assembly having a compartment for loose powder. A puff for the loose powder is carried in a puff compartment located beneath the powder magazine assembly; and the pivotal movement of the magazine permits easy insertion and removal of this pul. Automatically operative means are provided to transfer appropriate quantities of powder from the powder compartment to the puff as the puff is inserted and removed.

Fig. I of the drawings is a plan View of one form of the invention, showing the Vanity case open and with some portions cut away to more clearly disclose certain features of the construction.

Fig. II is a section on an enlarged scale, taken in general on the line II-II of Fig. I. In this gure also parts are shown as broken away to more clearly illustrate the structure.

Fig. III is a section, on an enlarged scale, taken in general on the line III-III of Fig. I. For the sake of clearness, the powder pui is omitted from this View.

Fig. IV is a detail plan view of a portion of that exterior shell which carries the powder magazine assembly and the puff for loose powder.

Fig. V is an exploded isometric View showing the powder magazine assembly and a puff guide which is associated therewith. The cover for the powder compartment is shown removed; and to bring out certain features, it is shown in an inverted position.

Fig. VI is a fragmentary plan View of an open vanity case, showing a second specific form of the powder magazine assembly. This form differs from the rst form in the arrangement for closing the powder compartment.

Fig. VII is an elevational View, looking in the direction of the arrow in Fig. VI.

Fig. VIII is a plan view of an open vanity case, showing a third form of powder magazine assembly.

Fig. IX is an enlarged sectional view, taken in general on the line IX--IX of Fig. VIII.

Fig, X is an enlarged sectional View, taken in general on the line X-X o-f Fig. VIII.

Fig. .XI is a plan view of the main stamping for the powder magazine assembly of Figs. VIII, IX, and X.

In nearly al1 instances, it is necessary in drawing sheet metal articles to exaggerate the thickness of the metal; and this should be borne in mind in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Reference will first be had to Figs. I, II, and III. Two generally cup-shaped sheet metal shells are designated as a wholeby I and 2 respectively. These shells have fiat bottoms, and have peripheral vertical flanges which are designated as a whole by I a and 2a, respectively. By means of a pintle 3, the two shells are so hinged that they may be folded together with the vertical flanges I2L and 2a in edge-toedge Contact in a conven tional manner to form the exterior of a vanity case.

Positioned within shell I lis a `stamped sheet metal member 4, which provides a recess at 5 that may receive a rouge cake 6. Integral with the member II is a finger 1Ia which projects horizontally above the rouge cake; and a rouge pui l may be slipped into the recess 5, beneath the nger 4a. A mirror 8 is hinged at 9 to the inserted member 4, and this mirror may be made of steel or other suitable metal and be polished on both sides so that either side can be used as a mirror. Integral with the mirror 8 is a finger 8a that is adapted to pass into and make snap engagement with rectangular aperture I to hold the `mirror closed over the powder puff 'I.

In the shell 2 there is a powder magazine assembly, designated as a whole by I2; a puif guide, designated as a whole by I3; a po-wder pu I 4; and a catch assembly designated as a whole by I5.

Referring more particularly to Fig. V, it will be seen that the powder magazine assembly is built up about a main sheet metal stamping I t having a flat top portion I'I, a well portion I8, and vertical side flanges I9 and I9 (see Fig. III). Well portion I8 is adapted to be closed by a removable closure 20 to form a compartment for loose powder. The closurey 20 is formed with an annular depending rim 20PL and with a tongue 2gb which ts into a rectangular hole |82. Opposite tongue 25h the closure 2i) is provided with a projecting lip 2U, which snaps into an elongated indentation I8b in the main stamping It. The applied position of the closure 28 is best illustrated in Fig. II. To facilitate removalZ the closure 2B may be provided with a recessed portion 23d, at which a purchase on the closure may be obtained (see Fig. I). y

Stamping I6 is also formed with an end flange, designated as a whole by 2|, and this liange is cut vertically from top to bottom, Yforming sections which are curled in the hinge members 2!a and 2|b (Figs. I and V) Similar hinge members are formed integral with the shells I and 2; and as indicated by Fig. I, the shells I and 2 and the stamping I6 are all hinged together on a common hinge pin. The portions of ange 2| which are left extending vertically after the formation ofY hinge portions 2|au and 2|b are arranged to be springy, and one or more of such vertical portions is adapted to engage the shell 2, as indicated in Fig. II, to resiliently elevate vthe powder magazine assembly I2 to the posi-tion shown in Fig. II. A felt strip II is preferably cemented or otherwise secured to flange 2| and arranged to prevent powder leakage through the slit portions of that ange and also to prevent powder leakage beneath the flange. Opposite to the hinged edge the powder magazine stamping IS is formed with vertical portions 22 and 23, from which project horizontal stops 22a and 23a respectively, which will be referred to later. Between vertical portions 22 .and 23, the metal Yis turned backwardly toward the well I8, as shown at 24, (Figs. I and II); and at each side of the well I8 this metal which is turned backwardly may extend alongside of the well, as shown at 25 and 26.

The pui guide I3 is a single sheet metal stamping formed with horizontal side portions 3|) and 3| between which is a dished portion 32. As shown in Fig. V, this stamping includes a vertical flange, designated as a whole by 33, which extends around three sides of the stamping. This flange is provided with holes It, two shown, which are adapted to make snap engagement with small projections p in the fiange 2a of the exterior shell 2. y

Referring more particularly to Figs. II and IV, there is shown a catch assembly I consisting essentially of a push button I5a, to which is fixed a conventional leaf spring I5b that has a centrally located vertical projection formed into a catch |50. The flange 2a of the exterior case is provided with a rectangular hole through which the push button I 5a can be telescoped to position the leaf spring I5b in the position shown in Fig. IV. Then the puif guide I3 is assembled into the shell 2 in the position shown in Figs. I and II,` the holes h making snap engagement with the projections p. The vertical flange 33 of the pui guide is recessed, as shown -at 33a, to permit inward movement of the catch; and when pressure is applied to the button Ia, the catch is moved inwardly against the pressure of leaf spring ISI, the ends of which engage the dished portion 32 of the puff guide. Of course, when ythe vanity case is closed, the catch I 5C engages in a conventional manner with a suitable formation in shell I to hold the case closed.

The bottom of the powder well I8 is provided with a transverse slot I8c (Fig. II), in which is mounted a powder transfer roller 36. lPreferably this roller is so elongated as to extend nearly across the powder compartment; and preferably the surface of the roller is toothed or corrugated, as shown in the drawings, so that powder will be trapped between the teeth or corrugations. This roller 36 may beV journalled in any suitable manner, as by shaft portions 36a and 3th which project through the sidewalls of the well I8. The holes which receive the shaft portions 36a and 38h may be somewhat larger than the shaft, as indicated in Fig. III to permit slight lateral movement of the roller.

It will be seen from Fig. II that theconstruction is such as to provide a puff compartment beneath the powder magazine assembly I2; and the puff I4 is normally carried in this pui compartment. When the vanity case is closed, the powder magazine assembly I2 is forced down- `wardly (in a clockwise direction viewed as in Fig. II), bringing the assembly more or less nus-h with the top of the flange 2a of the shell 2. When the case is opened by pressing button I5, the spring action of flange 2| moves the powder magazine assembly upwardly (counterclockwise) until projections 22EL and 23a strike the bottom of side portions 3G and 3| of the puff guidestamp. Thus, the powder magazine assembly isarrested in the position shown in Fig. II. The puif is withdrawn by pulling on loop Ida, and as the puiT moves outwardly, it causes transfer roller 35 to rotate and transfer powder from the powder compartment to the puff. Again, when the pun. is returned to the puiI compartment, the transfer roller 36 is rotated and more powder is transferred to the puff. Additionally, powder is transferred .to the .puff by rotation ofthe transfer? roller 36 which takes place during the upward and downward swinging of the powder magazine assembly I2 as the vanity case is opened and closed. By varying the length of the roller 36 and/or the size, depth and spacing of the teeth of the roller, the structure can be designed to transfer powder at any desirable rate.

The `structure of Figs. VI and VII is the same as that of Figs. I to V, inclusive, except for the features relating to the closing of the powder compartment. In Figs. VI and VII, the main stamping for the powder magazine assembly is designated as a whole by ||6, and the powder well is designated by ||8. A closure |20 for the powder well is pivoted at R in any suitable manner to the stamping I I6, the pivot preferably extending perpendicularly to transfer roller 36. Formed on the closure 20 is a depending annular r-im |20a which flts snugly into the well I I8 when the powder compartment is closed. On the side opposite to pivotal connection R, the edge of the powder Well is formed with indentations ||8b; and the `closure |20 is formed with nose portions I2llc which snap into these indentations when the powder compartment is closed. To facilitate opening of the powder compartment, the closure I 20 maybe provided with a recessed portion |2011, at which a purchase on the closure may be obtained.

Reference will now be had to Figs. VIII to XI, inclusive. Two conventional exterior shells designated as a whole by 20| and 202 respectively are hinged together at 203, and are arranged to be held closed together by a conventional catch assembly 2|5. Such exterior vanity case structure is conventional, and was described more fully in connection with the first form of the invention. A glass mirror M is shown secured in shell 20|, but this shell may be equipped as per shell I in Fig. I, and vice versa.

Fitted into shell 202 is an annular sheet metal stamping, designated as a Whole by 40. The metal of this stamping is so folded as to produce an outer peripheral flange 40ab which fits closely inside of the peripheral flange 202ab of the shell 202. Flange 40a is suitably held in place by frictional engagement, or by snap engagement, with flange 202g. Holding means similar'to projections p and holes h (Figs. IV and V) may be used if desired. Integral with flange 40a is an inner peripheral flange 40b which merges into, and is integral with an inturned annular flange 40c that rests against the bottom of shell 202.

A powder magazine assembly, designated as a whole by 2I2, is pivoted at V to the sides of frame 40. This assembly is built up about a main sheet metal stamping, which is designated as a whole by 2|6. Stamping 2|6 has a flat top portion 2|?, a well portion 2|8, and vertical side flanges 2|9 and 2|9 (See Fig. X). Well portion 2|8 is adapted to be closed by a pivoted closure 220, to form a compartment for loose powder. The closure 220 is stamped with an annular bead 220e, and with an extension that is curled into a hinge portion 220|. Opposite to the hinge portion 220|), there is formed integral with the closure 220 a pair of snap-in lingers 220C, 220 Stamping 2|1 is formed with a channel 42 which is arranged to receive hinge portion 2201. A pin 43 extends through hinge portion 220b and into the metal of stamping 2|6 to pivotally secure the closure 220 to the stamping 2 I6. About the well 2 I 8 there is an annular rabbet formation 44 which receives the edge of closure 220, as shown in Fig. IX. Square holes 45, 45 receive the snap-in iingers 220C, 22|)c to hold the closure 220 closed. A recessed portion 2201, permits a purchase to be obtained on the Aclosure 220 with a nger nail to open the` powder compartment.

In the bottom yof well 2|8, there is an opening 2|8c, which receives a transfer roller 36 such as previously described. The shaft ends 36a and 36b of .this roller are seated in-bearing channels 46, 46 formed in stamping 2|6. Any suitable means may be used to hold the shaft ends 36a and 36b in the channels 46, '46. One way is to extend the shafts through the metal of stamping 2|6, after the .manner shown in Fig. III. Another way is to form the shafts with rounded ends, or conical ends, which -are vsprung into recesses formed in stamping 2|6. A third Way is by means overlying ngers struck from the stamping 2|6 adjacent to channels 46. shafts 36a and 36h are snapped under ridges 41, 41 formed in stamping 2I6.

Connecting side flanges 2|9 and 2I9 is an integral end flange 22 I to which may be cemented (or otherwise secured) a felt sealing strip 2'II. 'I'he inner annular flange 40lo `of frame 40 is vertically slitted adjacent to flange 22|, to form a spring tongue 40h' which urges the powder magazine assembly 2I2 in a counter-clockwise direction (Viewed as in Fig. IX). Bent from side flanges 2|9 and 2|9l are detents d, d which move in slots in lflanges 40b and arrest the powder magazine assembly in the position shown in Fig. IX. One of the slots is shown at 43 in Fig. IX.

In use, this form of the invention operates after the manner of the other two forms. A powder puff (not shown) is kept in the compartment below the powder compartment; and roller 36 transfers powder to the puff. Secured to, or integral with the frame 40 is a curved puff guide 2|3. which facilitates insertion and removal of the powder puff.

In compliance with the patent statutes, we have disclosed the best forms in which we have contemplated applying our invention, but it will be understood that the disclosure is illustrative and not limiting.

What is claimed is:

1. A vanity case comprising: a powder compartment; a puff compartment beneath the powder compartment; and a roller positioned between the compartments, part of the periphery of the roller being within the powder compartment and part of the periphery of the roller being within the puff compartment, and the roller being operative to transfer powder from the powder compartment to the puff compartment.

2. A vanity case comprising: a rigid exterior case; a rigid powder magazine assembly pivotally mounted in the exterior case, said assembly having a compartment for loose powder; means to automatically elevate the magazine assembly when the exterior case is opened; and a puff compartment below the powder compartment, the puff compartment and the powder compartment being in communication for the gradual passage of powder from the powder compartment to the puff compartment.

3. A vanity case comprising: a rigid exterior case; a rigid powder magazine assembly pivotal- 1y mounted in the exterior case, said assembly having a compartment for loose powder; means to automatically elevate the magazine assembly when the exterior case is opened; a puff compartment below the powder compartment, there being means to convey powder from the powder compartment to the puff compartment; and a As shown, the ends of puff guide extending toward the puff compartment. Y

4. A vanity case comprising: an exterior shell; a frame fitted within said shell; a powder magazine assembly movably attached to said frame, the assembly having a powder compartment; Va puff compartment beneath the powder compartment; and means to transfer powder from the powder compartment to a pui in the puff compartment.

5. A vanity case comprising: an exterior casing; a frame fitted within said casing; a powder magazine assembly pivotally attached to said frame, said assembly having a powder compartment; a puff compartment beneath the powder compartment; means to transfer powder from the powder compartment to a puff in the puff compartment; and means to automatically elevate the magazine assembly when the exterior casing is opened.

6. A vanity case comprising: an exterior casing; means within the casing forming a powder compartment and a puff compartment; and transfer means to transfer powder from the powder compartment to a puff inserted in the puff compartment, the transfer means being 1ocated to extend into the path of the puff and adapted to be actuated by insertion and removal of the puff.

7. A Vanity case comprising: an exterior casing; Ymeans within the casing forming a powder compartment and a puff compartment; and a transfer roller to transfer powder from the powder compartment to a puff inserted in the puff compartment, the transfer roller being located to extend into the path of the puff and adapted to be actuatedY by insertion and removal of the puff.

8. A vanity case comprising: an exterior casing; a rigid frame tted within said casing; a rigid powder magazine assembly pivotally attached to said frame to permit a powder puff to be inserted beneath it; and a curved puff guide to facilitate insertion and removal of the puff.

9. A vanity case comprising: an exterior case structure; a powder magazine assembly Within the exterior case structure, the assembly having a compartment for loose powder and being movable toward and away from the case structure, and there being a puff compartment between the powder compartment and the exterior case;v and a powder transfer roller projecting from the powder compartment into the puff compartment for engagement and rotation by an inserted puff.

l0. A Vanity case as in claim 9, in which there is means to automatically move the powderl maga zine assembly away from the exterior case when the exterior case is opened.

THEODORE SUNDIN. SIMON MORRISON. 

